Testing equipment is a key component in the design, planning, creation and maintenance of electronic devices. For any electrical services firm, electrical supplier or maintenance department, quality testing equipment is an essential investment to ensure your systems run smoothly and without fault.
In this article, we will outline what testing equipment is, offer some examples of testing equipment, and describe its general uses and benefits for your business.
What is testing equipment?
Electronic testing equipment is used to detect and trace faults in DUTs, or Devices Under Test. Proper testing is imperative for any serious work with electronic systems. Test equipment can range from inexpensive and simple (such as a voltage tester) to incredibly complex (such as automated test equipment). In any case, electronic testing equipment is essential for ensuring electronic devices run smoothly and as expected.
Examples of testing equipment
According to reputable electronic distributor, RS Components, there are many different kinds of testing equipment, ranging from simple to highly complex. Common types of testing equipment include:
- Ohmmeters, which measure resistance
- Battery Testers, which measure voltage and charge
- Ammeters, which measure current
- Multimetres, which measure resistance, voltage and current
- LCR metres, which measure inductance, capacitance and resistance
To stimulate the circuit under test, the following equipment is used:
- Power supplies
- Pulse generators
- Signal generators
- Digital pattern generators
And to analyse the response of the circuit being tested, the following is used:
- Oscilloscopes, which display varying voltages
- Frequency counters, which measure frequency
To connect electronic test equipment to devices, test probes are used. Test probes can range from simple devices to very complex, expensive probes.
Why do I need testing equipment?
Quality testing equipment is essential for any successful electrical services firm or maintenance department. Providing engineers with modern test equipment will ensure better performance and accuracy of testing, higher productivity and increased effectiveness for end applications.
Battery testing, for example, is essential for ensuring batteries are secure and performing as expected. For electrical suppliers especially, regular testing can reduce the risk of unexpected battery failure, leading to increased customer satisfaction and improved sales overall.
By identifying potential faults and failures before they take place, electrical suppliers and service firms can ensure customers receive functional, long-lasting and fault-free electrical equipment or services every time. For electricians, technicians and engineers, the proper use of test equipment will reduce the need for ongoing maintenance and service, leading to increased client trust and time and money saved overall.
How do I decide which equipment I need?
First, determine which tests need to be performed and why, and decide which type of equipment you are testing. Earthed (Class I) and double insulated (Class II) equipment will be tested differently.
For earthed appliances, such as dishwashers, fridges and washing machines, you’ll need to perform an earth continuity test using an ohmmeter or Portable Appliance Tester (PAT). This is followed by insulation or leakage testing via an insulation resistance tester, which is also required for double insulated appliances.
Since such a large range of electrical testing devices exist for a variety of applications, it’s worth contacting your local electrical supplier for advice on which kind of testing equipment will best suit your business’s needs.
Conclusion
In the world of electronics, the proper use of testing equipment is essential for performance, productivity and efficiency. From simple devices like voltage meters to complex automated testing systems, all electrical services firms, suppliers and maintenance departments should invest in quality testing equipment to ensure fewer faults, higher customer satisfaction and greater business success.
